NHL Calder Trophy Odds: Can Connor Bedard Hold On?

The 2023-24 NHL season has reached the halfway point and it's proven to be unpredictable.

That's been proven in numerous ways and the race for the Calder Trophy is showing that better than any. For the majority of the first half, it looked like the run for the best rookie of the 2023-24 season would be won by a landslide. Due to injury, the Calder Trophy race has instead opened back up and is worth looking into its betting market.

Let's take a look at the Calder Trophy odds per FanDuel Sportsbook.

NHL Calder Trophy Odds

Connor Bedard (-180)

Heading into the season and for much of the first half, Connor Bedard was the runaway favorite for the Calder Trophy. And while Bedard still remains the favorite, injury has struck, and Bedard's grasp of the award is no longer as certain.

In a game on January 5th against the New Jersey Devils, Bedard suffered a broken jaw that has left him out of action ever since. The diagnosis was that he'd miss six to eight weeks of action, limiting his chances to take home the Calder Trophy with so much of his season taken away. However, the Chicago Blackhawks' franchise player has already returned to the ice and is gearing up for what is likely to be an early return. There's no date in terms of when he will return to the Blackhawks lineup, but the fact he's already getting ready is a good sign.

Prior to the injury, Bedard was really running away with this award. Over 39 games, the 2023 first overall pick had 15 goals, 18 assists, and 39 points despite what has been a rough Blackhawks team around him. If he isn't able to return to the ice within the next week or two, there's got to be serious doubt in him taking this award.

For now, Bedard remains the heavy favorite.

Luke Hughes (+480)

If there's anyone who can come for the Calder Trophy with Bedard out, it's going to be Luke Hughes.

The rookie defenseman has taken on a big role with the New Jersey Devils this year, and he's been able to play to the level that's necessary. He's averaging 20:25 time on ice in his first full season, playing on the top power-play unit and second defensive line for much of the campaign.

Hughes has been able to total 24 points in 42 games from the backend -- all while learning the speed of the NHL game. Those 24 points can be broken down to 8 goals and 16 assists. If he's able to continue what has been a constant pace in his game as a defenseman, he's going to keep challenging for this trophy until the very end of the season.

If there's a player to bet in this market not named Bedard, we'd certainly consider Hughes being that guy.

Brock Faber (+700)

The third option for the Calder Trophy with half a season to go is the Minnesota Wild's Brock Faber.

Faber is in a similar spot as Hughes, but he's arguably played better for a team with far less success to this point. For a player like Faber, it goes beyond the points as he's played major minutes for Minnesota seemingly all season.

The 21-year-old plays in every part of the game, taking up a spot on the top defensive pairing, first power-play unit, and the second penalty kill unit. Faber has 2 goals, 20 assists, and 22 points through 44 games. On a team that has allowed 151 goals and has a differential of -22, Faber has still managed to put together a positive plus/minus of +5.

At +700, Faber offers all the value you want in a longshot. If he can add more consistent scoring volume to his resume in the second half -- he has two assists in two straight games -- then he may be able to take the Calder Trophy.

Looking for more NHL betting opportunities? Check out all of the NHL odds at FanDuel Sportsbook.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.